Which statement describes the relationship between portfolio management and business as usual (BAU) in terms of delivering strategic objectives?

Question

Options

• APortfolio management runs the business; BAU changes the business
• BPortfolio management realizes benefits when major changes are successfully implemented; BAU
• CPortfolio management controls the major changes to BAU; BAU realizes benefits when major
• DPortfolio management realizes benefits when major changes are successfully implemented; BAU

• A
  5% (2)
• B
  2% (1)
• C
  91% (40)
• D
  2% (1)

Explanation

Option C is correct because portfolio management governs the selection and control of strategic change initiatives - the projects and programmes that transform the organisation - while BAU (the operational business) is where benefits are actually realised once those changes are embedded into day-to-day working. In short: portfolio management changes the business; BAU runs it and harvests the results.

Why the distractors fail:

• A reverses the roles entirely - it is BAU that runs the business, not portfolio management.
• B and D both place benefit realisation inside portfolio management, which is wrong; portfolio management enables and controls change, but tangible benefits (efficiency gains, cost savings, revenue growth) land in BAU operations, not in the management layer itself.

Memory tip: Think of portfolio management as the architect drafting the renovation plan, and BAU as the household that actually lives better once the work is done - the architect doesn't enjoy the improved kitchen; the residents do.

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